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2006-2013 Chevrolet Impala

2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013

Jon Paulette is a veteran automotive writer who has spent a fair portion of his life hanging out at racetracks and talking to amazing people who make extremely loud cars reach ridiculous speeds. Despite all that, he still has enough hearing left to enjoy a stupidly large music collection. A native Virginian, Jon lives in the Charlottesville area, roots for the Nationals and would like a good BBQ sandwich right about now.

In a Nutshell

In this article, we'll tell you how to replace the stereo and speakers in your Impala. Removing and replacing the factory radio isn't that hard to do, but the speakers will present some challenges. It's still a good DIY project, but it'll require some patience on your part.

A new receiver will give you better performance and added functionality, so it's a good first step. The door speakers are mostly okay to deal with, but the tweeters and the rear deck speakers present some challenges. If you replace the rears, clear out an afternoon and arrange for a helper.

If you're planning to add maximum bass to your Impala, there's plenty of room for a subwoofer box in the trunk, plus some aftermarket amplifiers.

Full Story

Overview of the Chevy Impala

You know this car. You've seen it on the road, you've seen it at the mall, and you've seen it in the rental lot at the airport. You may have even seen it in your rear-view mirror, blue lights a-flashing, the last time you got caught driving with, ummmm, "excessive enthusiasm." What we're trying to say is that Chevy sold a ton of these cars over the years.

Considering its stylish looks, roomy interior and decent road manners, we're not a bit surprised. In its basic form, the Impala is a solid family car. If you can find one equipped with the high-performance SS package, you'll have an Impala that's impressively fast and almost totally invisible. No matter what you're starting with, your Impala will be an even better ride once you add a better audio system.

This article is an overview of your vehicle's audio system and its upgrade options. If you're looking for step-by-step instructions on installing a car stereo or speakers in your Impala, we'll include a Crutchfield MasterSheet™ free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one for $9.99.

The Impala's factory radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Factory stereo system

The 2006-2012 Chevrolet Impala was offered with a choice of two factory stereo systems:

The standard system, with an AM/FM/CD/MP3 receiver and six speakers

An optional Bose® system, with all of the above, plus two more speakers

Both of these systems offer about what you'd expect from a factory-installed stereo package. If you're reading this, you're probably a person who expects a lot more from a car stereo.

The healthy amount of available in-dash space ensures that you'll have a wide range of aftermarket single-DIN (2" tall) or double-DIN (4" tall) receivers to choose from.

With the factory unit removed, there's plenty of space for your new receiver. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Replacing your factory radio

While today's Impala is much smaller than the leviathan machines that wore the nameplate back in the 1970's, it's not exactly a Geo Metro. It's still a good-sized car and there's plenty of room to work when you're installing a new radio.

Removing the Impala's factory system isn't terribly difficult, but it requires some skill and a reasonable amount of patience--especially when prying off the trim piece that surrounds the unit. The combination of the hard plastic trim and the softer plastic dash material can make the job seem easier than it actually is. Don't be fooled. And don't be too hasty. Use a clean panel tool (to prevent dash stains and scratches) and pry the trim off slowly (to avoid breaking the plastic) until the retaining clips release.

The GMOS-LAN-01 adapter is a great solution for many Impalas

Pull out the trim panel, disconnect the wiring harness, and remove the panel. Then, remove the two Phillips screws that hold the climate control unit in place. Feel free to let that unit dangle while you undo the four Phillips screws securing the radio. Pull it out, unhook the harness, and put it aside.

It's important to note that the warning chimes and audible turn signals are built into the factory radio unit. Whether you have the standard system or the Bose system, you'll need to purchase an adapter to retain the warning chimes – even if you don't use OnStar. The adapter will keep the audible safety warnings functioning properly, while also providing a switched 12-volt power source for your new radio. Depending on the adapter, it might even integrate the steering wheel audio controls.

Crutchfield strongly recommends that you use one of these adapters when you replace the factory radio. The specific adapter that's right for your car depends on the car's model year whether or not it has a Bose system, but you'll definitely need one. We'll give you a deep discount on the adapter's price when you purchase it along with your new stereo.

Your new system from Crutchfield also qualifies for discounts on a mounting kit to trim out the new radio and an adapter that connects the Impala's stock antenna to your new radio. You'll also get our free step-by-step installation instructions.

Tools required: Phillips screwdriver, panel tool

Steering wheel audio controls

It's relatively easy to retain your Impala's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with your new receiver. We'll discount this adapter, too, when you buy it with a new receiver.

Replacing the front door speakers can be a bit challenging (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Replacing your factory speakers

Replacing the factory stereo system in your 2006-2012 Impala is a relatively straightforward process. Replacing the speakers, however, is not. You can do the job yourself, but you'll need a fair amount of time, tools, and patience.

A close-up of a front door speaker (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front door speakers

The Impala's front door speaker area can accommodate 5-1/4", 6-1/2", or even 6-3/4" speakers, but mounting depth is limited to 2.9" and this is not a simple, "plug and play" job.

First, the door panel must be removed to access the speakers. This process starts by removing the sail panel and continues through several more steps involving hidden star screws camouflaged (rather cleverly, we must say) by plastic trim pieces. You'll need Torx T30 and T15 bits to remove the screws. Take your time and be careful not to damage the plastic trim during the removal process.

Once you've removed the factory speakers, you'll need mounting brackets to fit the new speakers to the openings (these brackets are included free with your Crutchfield speaker purchase). mount the adapter bracket, and secure the speakers. The factory speaker grilles on the door panel will fit perfectly over your new speakers.

Unfortunately, there isn't a wiring harness available for the speakers, so you’ll have to cut the factory speaker wire and splice in. Our free step-by-step installation guide contains detailed wiring instructions that will make the job easier.

The tweeters are located at the base of the Impala's "A" pillar. They're hard to reach and harder to replace. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front tweeters

The factory tweeters are located in the windshield "A" pillars. This is an admirably slick bit of design, but the GM styling studio clearly wasn't thinking about potential aftermarket upgrades when they came up with this idea. The size and location of the tweeters (the pillar space is a mere 0.8 inches deep) makes it very hard to replace them, much less upgrade them. Tweeter depth is the real issue here, so your shopping choices are somewhat limited.

The wiring harness is located deep in the dash, so you'll need to cut off the factory connectors and splice the vehicle's speaker wires to your new speaker wires. You'll also need to fabricate a mounting bracket. In all honesty, this might be a job for a car stereo installation professional. To avoid all that hassle and expense, we suggest mounting aftermarket tweeters on the Impala's door panels.

Rear deck speakers

Replacing the rear deck speakers is a relatively uncomplicated process – once you get to them. The toughest part or the job is removing the rear seat (top and bottom), the interior sail panels and the deck panel in order to access the speaker location. This is a very labor-intensive process. If you're going to do it yourself, we recommend that you clear out a full afternoon and some empty garage space.Your free step-by-step installation guide contains detailed instructions.

A wide variety of 6" x 9", 5-1/4", or 6-1/2" speaker sets will fit the space nicely, plus the factory brackets and grilles work perfectly and a wiring harness is available.

Top mounting height is limited to 0.8 inches, but that still leaves plenty of great speakers to choose from. A speaker adapter bracket is required for the 5-1/4" or 6-1/2" speakers, and it's included free, along with the wiring harness, with your Crutchfield speaker order.

If your car came equipped with a Bose system, you’ll also find a set of tweeters in the factory mounting bracket. There are a few 3-1/2" speakers that will fit in this space, but your options are severely limited by the rather tight 0.33 inches of mounting height.

The factory woofers receive only bass frequencies from the amplifier, so if you replace them, the aftermarket speakers will only reproduce bass.

Bass in your Impala

If you're planning to add maximum bass to your Impala, there's plenty of room for a subwoofer box in the trunk. The available area for sub-box mounting is: Width (side to side) = 36", Height = 17", Depth (front to rear) = 40" at bottom, 40" at top. There are currently no custom enclosures available for the Impala.

Other options for your Impala

There are plenty of other ways to improve your Impala. Here are some of the ways Crutchfield can help.

Alpine Perfect Fit receiver kit with an Alpine receiver installed

Entertainment and navigation

If you're looking for a feature-packed unit that combines a full range of entertainment with the convenience of touch screen navigation, the Alpine Perfect Fit package will be a great addition to your Impala. This unit will retain most of your Impala's factory functions and it looks terrific. It also interfaces with the steering wheel controls, so you can pay attention to what's happening on the road ahead.

Rear-view camera

The Impala isn't as big as an SUV, but it's still a good-sized vehicle to wrestle with in a crowded parking lot. If you're looking for a way to improve your vision and safety, we offer rear-view cameras from Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, Pioneer, and more. Some are designed to work with same-brand receivers only, but others come with a composite video connector and will work with almost any video receiver.

Bluetooth and iPod connectivity

If you want to improve your Impala's convenience and connectivity, add an iPod adapter or integrated Bluetooth to the system using kits from Crutchfield. Please enter your vehicle information or call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to find the kit that’s best for you.

Security

Installing a security system in your Impala isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.

I added an aftermarket stereo with all the adapters to keep steering wheel controls and the bose amplifier, but my question is that i added aftermarket subs and amp in the trunk and my amp turns on but my subs don't hit like they're supposed to, does the stock bose amp happen to throw off my aftermarket subs?? Please help!!

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 6/1/2015

Trevor, Without knowing all the specs of your set-up, it sounds like you need a bigger, badder amp to get the thump you're looking for. Check out our guide to matching subs and amps for more info. If you do need a new amp, one of our expert advisors can help you choose the right one for your system. Good luck!

Matt from East Texas

Posted on 6/6/2015

Just looking to install a 10 or 12 inch sub and amp to add a little thump to my factory deck and other speakers. Any suggestion for this on a 2010 Chevy Impala. Not looking to blow the doors off or to impress the vehicles next to me. Just want a good sounding , clean , crisp with a little bass to enjoy myself. Again , any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks Much,
Matt

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 6/8/2015

Matt, we sent your question to our sales team for the best answer. They'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

Charlie Brown from United States

Posted on 7/11/2015

I am looking for a after market radio with gps navagation and bluetooth and also wanna keep my whee lcontrols and i want a touch sreen double din what products can u recommended

William from Conroe

Posted on 7/29/2015

Hooking two 12inch speakers to my 2010 impala with the stock radio cant get them to thump bought the adapter and all which 6/9do I tie into or do???

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 7/30/2015

William, If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.

Matthew from Springfield Ohio

Posted on 8/14/2015

I have an 2011 impala with bose i have an amp with two 12s in the trunk. Is there anyway to connect my subs to the factory radio? I dont have $150 to buy a harness for my Sony Xplod receiver just to have the bass I want. Any help would be appreciated.

Fred from Olathe

Posted on 8/16/2015

2008 impala. Will the gray/black(+) dome light supervision wire be effective for the ground trigger input on Viper car alarm?

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 8/17/2015

Fred, If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 8/17/2015

Matthew, I hear you about installing a new receiver. Those premium factory systems don't make it easy. No, you can't connect the subs to the factory system. You need to power them with your amp. You can get audio signal into the amp by tapping into the speaker lines of the factory speakers in the rear deck. If the amp doesn't have speaker-level inputs, you'll need a line-output converter. Good luck!

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 8/28/2015

Bob, we sent your question to our sales team for the best answer. They'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

Stacey from Pilot mountain

Posted on 9/14/2015

I want to get my rear deck off so i can replace them with 6x9 but i can seem to find the bolts i need to undo

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 9/15/2015

Stacey, The Impala was available with either fixed or fold-down rear seats. There are some differences in the removal processes, but in either case, you'll find bolts at the bottom of the seatback cushion. Hope that helps!

cody from sweetwater

Posted on 9/28/2015

06 impala with bose factory system. I am adding 2 subs and amp. do I need to hook up my loc before the factory amp or after? and will a PAC AOEM-GM1416 be what I need to accomplish this?

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 9/28/2015

Cody, I'm forwarding your question to our sales team for the best answer about the LOC. They'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

Terry from Raleigh

Posted on 10/24/2015

Is there a place that you can see what color speaker wire is which? I have to use the adapter in my 2011 imapala and I don't know which is negative and positive. The color scheme is a weird one

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 10/26/2015

Terry, If you need some wiring info, you can search our online Knowledge Base. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details. Good luck!

Gary Wright from Villa Rica, GA

Posted on 4/4/2016

I recently tried to replace my car stereo with another factory unit. Upon installation the theft lock had been activated and the radio was unusable. I took it to the dealer to see if perhaps they could unlock it for me, but they claim that I installed the wrong radio. I thought for sure I had gotten the correct part No. If by chance, could you please tell me where on the radio unit I am supposed to locate the correct part No. for my radio? I have a 2008 Impala LS. This has been quite the headache for me.

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 4/4/2016

Gary, That's a bummer. Unfortunately, factory-for-factory receiver swaps aren't our area of expertise. There are a number of aftermarket receivers that will work nicely in conjunction with the correct wiring harness, but this is a very different deal. You might want to check out some Impala owners' forums to see if anyone else has dealt with this situation before. Good luck!

Rick West from Lk. Orion, MI

Posted on 5/17/2016

I have a 2012 Impala with the basic sound system. Is the crossover for the front factory speakers located in the stereo or elsewhere? In other words, if I buy an aftermarket head unit, will I need to install a crossover to run the front speakers (separate tweeter and woofer)?

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 5/18/2016

Rick, If you're just replacing the receiver, it's not that complicated. When you order from Crutchfield, you'll get a healthy discount on the wiring adapter you'll need to integrate the new stereo with your factory speakers -- and the factory warning chimes, of course.

Jonathan Griffey from Southport

Posted on 9/8/2016

Yea or no question. Can i run one remote wire from a non factory amp to a factory amp remote connect?

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 9/8/2016

Jonathan, If you have an aftermarket stereo, use the stereo's blue/white turn on wire. If you have a factory stereo, then check the amp's manual to see if it has signal-sensing speaker-level inputs (most do). If it does, you don't need a turn on wire at all. But if neither is the case, you should connect to switched ACC power. If you know which wire that is on the factory amp, and that's an easier wire run, then it should work. But be careful. And if you bought the aftermarket amp from us, you can call us for free tech support.

Charles Beacher from Hinesville

Posted on 9/26/2016

2008 impala with bose system and aftermarket head unit. Is it necessary to swap out my bose speakers for aftermarket ones or should i just connect a better amp

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 9/26/2016

Charles, It's not necessarily necessary, but it's a good idea. The new receiver's probably getting the most out of the stock speakers, so you'll get more bang for your buck from new speakers. You can add an amp, too, of course.

Charles from Hinesville

Posted on 10/10/2016

Have an 08 impala with bose system. Looking to upgrade the amp thats already connected to the bose speakers. Could i simply disconnect all the wires running into the factory amp and hook them up to the new one or do I have to run all new wires

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 10/13/2016

Charles, I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.

Luis Garcia from Oakley

Posted on 12/16/2016

Hello, my 2010 Impala has the bose option but it does have the bluetooth integrated, if i replace the receiver do you have a kit or something to keep the bluetooth capabilitites? or will i loose it??

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 12/19/2016

Luis, If you choose a receiver with built-in Bluetooth, the wiring harness that comes at a discount with your Crutchfield order will ensure that it works in your car.

luis Garcia from Oakley

Posted on 2/24/2017

But will still using the bluetooth of the car or the one from the new receiver??

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 2/27/2017

Luis, If you replace the stock receiver, you'll use the new-receiver's built-in Bluetooth. Make sure you look for that feature (it's pretty common these days) when you're choosing the new one.

Tony, When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which stereos fit your car, plus the correct harness. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.

James Copley from Citrus Height, CA

Posted on 8/7/2017

I just bought a 2009 Impala LTZ with the Bose system. It also includes a Bluetooth system that seems to work for calls only, no music streaming. Is the factory Bluetooth a part of the radio? If I replace the factory radio with one that would handle that, will I also be replacing the existing Bluetooth, or is it a separate device?

Jon Paulette from Crutchfield

Posted on 8/7/2017

James, The Bluetooth is part of the OnStar system, which is built into the factory radio. You can replace the old radio with an aftermarket model that'll handle music and calls, and while you'll have to mount a new mic, it's totally worth it. When you buy your new radio at Crutchfield, you'll save a nice chunk of change on the factory integration adapter needed to make it all work. Give us a call and we'll help you find the perfect receiver for your car.

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